Charles Flanagan
Question:73 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce a mandatory code of identity cards as contained in sections 40 and 41 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988. [3232/99]
Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.
Róisín Shortall
Question:77 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps, if any, his Department is taking to counter the problem of under age drinking; if he has satisfied himself that the gardaí are adequately resourced to effectively monitor the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7232/99]
Michael Ring
Question:172 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, made on introducing a national identification scheme to curb underage drinking; and when changes in the licensing laws will be introduced. [7342/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 77 and 172 together.
I previously indicated to the House that I intended to make regulations to provide for the introduction of a national voluntary age card scheme as provided for in section 40 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988. I am glad to be able to say that those Regulations were made by me on 19 January 1999, and they will come into effect on 19 April 1999.
The Act of 1988 provides only for the introduction of a voluntary age card scheme and I have no plans to amend the law in this regard to provide for a mandatory scheme.
There are other provisions in the 1988 Act of importance in relation to under-age drinking. It is an offence to sell intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years and it is an offence for such persons to purchase or consume intoxicating liquor in certain circumstances. There are restrictions on persons under the age of 18 years being on licensed premises. The Garda Síochána are given powers under the Act to demand names and addresses, seize intoxicating liquor, arrest without warrant and enter and inspect premises. I am informed that the gardaí are enforcing the legislation on underage drinking on a daily basis countrywide and are adequately resourced in this area.
I can confirm that, arising from my review of the licensing laws generally, I propose in the near future to seek the approval of the Government for additional legislative measures to strengthen the fight against under-age drinking. I can also say that the draft heads of my proposals in this and other areas of intoxicating liquor law are already with Departments for observations prior to their being submitted to Government. The decisions made by the Government will be announced in due course.